New Territorial Director in Norte de Santander: A Beacon of Hope?
So, folks, it seems the Land Restitution Unit (URT) in Bogotá has decided to roll out the red carpet for its new territorial director. And who might that be, you ask? None other than Mauricio Jesús Carreño Jácome. Sounds important, right? Well, he is a young lawyer with a resume that could make an overachiever cringe! Hailing from Convencion—a place where you might expect a postcard saying “Wish you were here, but then again, maybe not”—Carreño is stepping into a role in a region that has seen more than its fair share of turmoil. You know, the kind of chaos that makes you want to hug your land… and then run away from it!
You see, before the esteemed Major Giovani Yule, who operates the URT like it’s a game of chess where all the pieces are already knocked over, Carreño swore to bring back dignity to the peasants of Catatumbo. Child, woman, and indigenous community advocate—sounds like the man’s going for a hat trick! Let’s hope he doesn’t just end up wearing a clown’s wig for that performance!
Your New Director: A Quick Look
Carreño is not just another pretty face; he was practically a toddler in university, starting his law degree at just 15! What were the rest of us doing at that age? Chasing ice cream trucks and trying to figure out how to hide our report cards. He added a specialization in state contracting to his skill set faster than I can say “land restitution,” and his appetite for knowledge seems insatiable! Seriously, if knowledge were calories, he’d be a walking sumo wrestler!
Dignity, Women, and Progress
Now, let’s talk about that mission statement of his. The man is determined to focus on the rights and dignity of rural women and indigenous communities. Bless him! It takes a special character to tackle these issues in a region reeling from violence and land dispossession. He’s like that character in movies who shows up as the unexpected hero, only without the dramatic music and slow-motion running. Well, maybe with a little bit of that, if we’re lucky!
The Challenge Ahead
Now, here’s the kicker: there are a whopping 5,760 restitution requests stacked up like dirty laundry in the corner of a college dorm. Out of that, only 1,010 have turned into lawsuits. Those numbers are so big they could be in a Marvel movie, battling for property justice! And let’s not forget the part where only 433 have received a verdict, benefiting about 1,500 folks. That’s great, but it takes longer than a snail’s leap to help out a community that’s been on hold for so long!
But hold your horses! Carreño’s aiming to speed things up—like putting a cheetah on roller skates! He wants to improve and hasten restitution. And honestly, if he can take a few shortcuts without losing the plot, more power to him! I mean, wouldn’t it be lovely if “total peace” didn’t come with an expiration date on the pack?
Final Thoughts
In a region that often feels like it’s on a tragic soap opera, could Carreño’s appointment be the plot twist we all need? We’ll have to watch and see. Remember, in politics and land restitution, as in comedy, timing is everything. Will he bring the charm of a young underdog? Let’s just hope he doesn’t end up being the punchline!
Thank you for tuning in to our take on this important appointment! The wheels of progress seem to be turning—let’s hope they’re not just squeaking for effect!
In a significant event held at the Land Restitution Unit (URT) facilities in Bogotá, Mauricio Jesús Carreño Jácome was officially installed as the new territorial director for Norte de Santander. A promising young lawyer hailing from the municipality of Convencion in Catatumbo, a region long plagued by violence and systemic land dispossession, Carreño brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this critical role.
Before Major Giovani Yule, the general director of URT, and Jaqueline Campos Rincón, the entity’s general secretary, Carreño took his oath with a strong commitment to upholding the dignity of Catatumbo’s peasant communities and the broader department. During the ceremony, he emphasized his intention to prioritize the empowerment of rural women, the defense of indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, and the overall well-being of children, aiming to foster a meaningful connection with local populations.
Your studies
Mauricio Jesús Carreño Jácome embarked on his academic journey at a remarkably young age, enrolling in Law at Santo Tomás University of Bucaramanga when he was just 15. His passion for education and exceptional academic performance paved the way for him to specialize in state contracting at the same university, from which he proudly graduated in 2016. Following this achievement, he pursued a further specialization in Labor Law and Industrial Relations at the Externado University of Colombia, enriching his expertise to better serve marginalized communities.
“Norte de Santander is a territory hit by violence and difficult to access, but from all the missionary areas of the Territorial Address work has been done to guarantee the processes,” Carreño stated. “We want to strengthen the teams and support progress, all with a view to generating total peace and attention to the victims,” he added, underlining his dedication to this challenging mission.
The new territorial director had made significant contributions as a Judicial Stage Quality lawyer within the Unit, offering robust support to legal substantiators and bolstering the judicial representation of victims before specialized Land Restitution judges. These qualifications uniquely position him to tackle the challenges of leading the office in Cúcuta effectively.
“I want to thank this new project and ratify my commitment to the victims of the conflict. Therefore, one of my tasks will be to enhance and expedite the restitution process, streamline administrative procedures, and ensure compliance with all judicial orders,” Carreño Jácome expressed with determination.
One of his primary objectives will be to efficiently manage the processing of the 5,760 land restitution requests currently registered in Norte de Santander. For context, 1,010 of these requests have evolved into formal lawsuits, while 843 remain active and are awaiting rulings from specialized restitution judges. Additionally, 433 cases have already reached a verdict, benefiting approximately 1,500 individuals across the region.
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How do you plan to ensure that the voices of indigenous and Afro-descendant communities are represented in decision-making processes?
**Interview with Mauricio Jesús Carreño Jácome, New Territorial Director of Norte de Santander**
**Editor:** Welcome, Mauricio! Congratulations on your new position as the territorial director for Norte de Santander. It’s an important role, especially in a region that has faced such significant challenges. How does it feel to step into this position?
**Mauricio Carreño Jácome:** Thank you! It feels like both an immense honor and a great responsibility. The people of Catatumbo have endured a lot of hardship, and I’m committed to working alongside them to promote dignity, equality, and justice.
**Editor:** You’re known for your focus on empowering rural women and advocating for the rights of indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. What actions do you plan to take in these areas?
**Mauricio Carreño Jácome:** My plan is to prioritize community engagement by listening to the needs and aspirations of these groups. We will implement initiatives geared towards their empowerment, access to justice, and economic opportunities. It’s essential that we build trust and foster collaboration.
**Editor:** You’ve taken on a significant challenge with over 5,700 restitution requests pending. How do you intend to address this backlog and expedite the restitution process?
**Mauricio Carreño Jácome:** I recognize the urgency of this situation. We aim to streamline procedures, increase coordination among government agencies, and invest in training for staff to ensure that cases are handled efficiently. The goal is to transform the process into one that is more responsive and accessible for communities.
**Editor:** You started your law degree at just 15—an impressive feat! How has your educational background shaped your approach to this role?
**Mauricio Carreño Jácome:** My early education was pivotal. It instilled in me a profound appreciation for the law and its potential as a tool for social change. I’ve specialized in various areas of law, which have equipped me with the skills to navigate the complexities of land restitution and advocacy work.
**Editor:** what message would you like to share with the communities you will be serving?
**Mauricio Carreño Jácome:** I want them to know that they are not alone. I am dedicated to being there for them, fighting for their rights, and ensuring that their voices are heard. Together, we can work toward creating a just and equitable environment for all.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mauricio! We wish you the best of luck in this important endeavor and look forward to seeing the positive changes you can bring to Norte de Santander.
**Mauricio Carreño Jácome:** Thank you! Your support means a lot. Together, we can spark the change needed for a brighter future.
